Personal Response System (zappers)

The Personal Response System (PRS) or Zappers are interactive devices that are used to enhance the student experience. They allow students to answer questions via a remote control device. They can be used within PowerPoint, as part of a normal presentation, enhanced by the students being able to participate actively (either formatively or summatively) or it can be used within the software that can be downloaded, for free, from the Internet.

Virtual Services have worked with FESM to develop and promote the use of the Zappers, within a variety of environments. Personal Response System The use of the zappers was pioneered within the Mathematics department for assessment purposes by Professor Ray d'Inverno, but they have other uses as well. Sally Hayward in Geography has been using them with Joy Moloney (with the support of Virtual Services) as part of a Study Skills module. Virtual Services has given support to Dr Ian Harding (SOES) with the use of the system for his lecture on Careers for second year students. The students have responded positively and have stated that they felt that the PRS (Zappers) enhanced their learning experience.

Virtual Services have also been able to extend their use to pupils who visit the University via the Widening Participation activities, in Summer Schools etc.

There are many other examples of how Virtual Services has promoted the use of this system both formatively and summatively. If you would like further information on the use of this system at the University, there is a PRS (Zapper) group available via the Sussed portal with more information. Alternatively, contact Fiona Grindey fg@soton.ac.uk, Student Learning Advisor in Virtual Services.